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Telehealth News & Blog

Online Doctors in Australia During Christmas & School Holidays: How Telehealth Helps Families

12
January 2026
1
December 2025

Finding a doctor during the Christmas and school holiday period can be challenging for many Australians. GP clinics often operate on reduced hours, appointments book out quickly, and accessing care while travelling or on holiday can feel stressful, especially for families with children.


Telehealth services and online doctors offer a convenient, reliable solution, allowing Australians to speak with a qualified GP from anywhere. During busy holiday periods, telehealth can help families access timely medical care without disrupting their plans.


Why Accessing a GP During the Holidays Is Difficult


The Christmas and school holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for healthcare services. Many families experience:
- Limited GP availability due to clinic closures and public holidays
- Difficulty booking last-minute appointments
- Increased childhood illnesses during school breaks
- Health concerns arising while travelling interstate or regionally or while on holiday


These challenges often result in long waits or unnecessary visits to urgent care or hospital emergency departments.


What Is an Online Doctor?


An online doctor is a fully qualified Australian GP who provides medical consultations via phone or video through telehealth. Telehealth consultations allow patients to receive professional medical advice, treatment plans, medical certificates, prescriptions, and referrals — without attending a clinic in person.
Telehealth services in Australia follow the same clinical standards as face-to-face GP appointments and are a safe and effective option for many non-emergency medical concerns.


Benefits of Telehealth for Families During School & Christmas Holidays


1. Convenient Healthcare Access Anywhere in Australia
Telehealth allows families to consult an online GP from home, while visiting relatives, or while travelling or on holiday. This is especially helpful during school holidays when families are often away from their usual medical practice.
2. Ideal for Children and Parents
Seeing an online doctor from home can reduce stress for children who may feel unwell or anxious in a clinic environment. Parents can receive guidance and reassurance without the pressure of travel or waiting rooms.


3. Support for Common Holiday Health Issues
Online doctors can assist with many common conditions, including:
- Colds, flu, and respiratory infections
- Ear infections and sore throats
- Skin conditions and rashes
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Prescription renewals and follow-ups


4. Reduced Pressure on Emergency Departments
Many medical concerns do not require urgent or emergency care. Telehealth helps Australians access appropriate medical treatment while reducing unnecessary hospital visits during peak holiday periods.


5. Fast Access to Prescriptions and Medical Advice
Running out of medication over Christmas is common. Telehealth GP consultations can help patients manage prescriptions and ongoing care during clinic closures.
Telehealth: A Modern Healthcare Solution
Telehealth is now an essential part of Australia’s healthcare system. While it does not replace in-person medical care when physical examination is required or emergency medical care, it provides fast, accessible support for a wide range of health concerns — particularly during holiday periods when access is limited.
For families, telehealth offers peace of mind, flexibility, and continuity of care without compromising quality.


Online GP Services with Private Medical


At Private Medical, our Australian-registered GPs provide professional telehealth consultations designed to support individuals and families throughout the year — including during Christmas and the school holidays.
Our online doctor services offer:
- Convenient access to experienced Australian GPs
- Secure video consultations
- Support for common medical concerns
- Prescriptions and referrals where appropriate


Whether you are at home, travelling or away on holiday, Private Medical helps you access quality health medical care when you need it most.


Stay Healthy This Holiday Season


The Christmas and school holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy time with loved ones — not a time to worry about accessing medical care. Telehealth and online doctors provide a simple, effective solution for Australian families during the holiday period.
If you or your family need medical advice during the holidays, telehealth can help keep your plans on track while ensuring your health remains a priority.

To Book an Online GP Appointment with Private Medical, please follow these easy steps:


Step 1: Book Your Telehealth Appointment Online or call us 135 001 on to book over the phone.
Step 2: Pay for your Appointment via Credit Card
Step 3: Check Your Emails for the Private Medical Video Consult Link
Step 4: Click the Video Consult Link from any device (smart phone, tablet, or computer) at Your Scheduled Telehealth Appointment time to speak with a Private Medical online GP.

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